by Kate Hill
He and Zigor had spent two hours sparring and practicing swordplay. In spite of their different fighting styles, they had been so closely matched in skill that Daniel wondered which of them would win in an out-and-out fight. In truth, he hadn’t enjoyed practice this much in a long time.
Daniel was due at Andrew’s house in two hours which left him just enough time for a soak in a warm bath before leaving. Once in his suite, he peeled off his dirty exercise clothes and tossed them in a hamper. He turned on the tap in the bathroom. While the tub filled with hot water, he poured a glass of blood-laced wine from the minibar. It was strong stuff, not like the sweet, watered-down drink vamps enjoyed on social occasions. This was nourishing enough to replace a drink straight from a living partner. He didn’t have time to send for one of Burgundy Peak’s donors. The club was known for its fine selection of clean, attractive human and vampire “escorts.” Oddly, since seeing Nigel again, he only desired close physical contact with him.
He brought his glass into the bathroom and placed it on the floor by the tub. Sinking into the water, he closed his eyes and sighed deeply. His desire for Nigel irritated him to say the least. It was akin to the frustration he’d felt all those centuries ago when he’d worked so closely with Cassipor but never allowed himself to surrender to the lust burning between them. At least not at first…
* * *
It had been nearly two months since Areus and Cassipor left Ludus Magnus to live and train at Flavius’ villa in the country. So far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Areus sometimes felt as if they were the only people in the world. He and Cassipor trained harder than ever, yet during their rest periods, they could enjoy the fresh air and beauty surrounding the villa.
Seated on a rock by the lake near home, Areus tossed pebbles into the water, watching the reflected moonlight ripple with the waves. His thoughts lingered on Cassipor, not only on how far the young man had progressed as a warrior, but on his sheer beauty and courage. Areus had been harder on him than any man he’d ever trained, yet Cassipor took all he had to give without complaint. Determination and desire for perfection gleamed in his lovely blue eyes, yet beyond those drives was another passion. One that emanated from his every pore, particularly when they lay in Flavius’ private bath and were massaged by slaves. Cassipor’s gaze would linger over Areus’ nude body, just as Areus would stare at his. They never spoke a word about their attraction to one another. Areus might have brought the subject up had he not sensed Cassipor’s fear over his lust for another man. Some were like that, defining their virility by their choice in lovers. Cassipor had dreams of becoming a favored gladiator, of highborn women drooling over him and calling him to their beds. His young mind spun with intrigues and, in his own way, he considered the gladiators’ hold over such women payback for how the wealthy treated slaves.
Still, no matter what he thought he wanted, he couldn’t control his desire for Areus. Of late, it was becoming increasingly painful to both.
Areus’ pulse quickened as he sensed Cassipor’s approach. He sat still, scarcely breathing, until his student paused beside him.
“It’s very hot tonight,” Cassipor said.
“Yes.” Areus glanced at him as he tugged off his tunic and stood there, naked. His body was all rock-hard muscle, made strong from their intense training. A dusting of black hair scattered over his chest and tapered down his muscled-ridged stomach. The dark thatch of pubic hair made an enticing nest for the thick cock emerging from it.
Areus lifted his gaze to meet Cassipor’s and his own cock swelled. It ached with the need for Cassipor’s stroking hand, his full lips on its head, and finally to be cradled in the walls of his hot, tight ass.
Tightening his jaw, Areus tried not to think about it.
Cassipor’s heartbeat had quickened audibly to blood drinker ears. He gazed at Areus, his lips slightly parted. Lust and curiosity gleamed in his eyes, then he shook his head slightly, a look of self-directed anger crossing his face before he strode into the lake.
The man wanted him, Areus was sure of it, but Cassipor needed to come to him on his terms or not at all. Areus wouldn’t be the one to initiate it. He wouldn’t goad or seduce then be cast aside should Cassipor decide he couldn’t accept another man as a lover after all. When and if Cassipor came to him, Areus knew he would fall quite madly in love and want to make the younger man his for all time. The Spartan wasn’t accustomed to losing battles. To Areus, love was the most deadly battle of all. He seldom gave his heart, but when he did, it was forever.
“I think I’ll join you,” Areus said and pushed himself off the rock and into the lake. The water felt good on his heated flesh. Soon he and Cassipor were racing each other across the lake. Even holding back his power, Areus easily beat the human time after time.
Finally they stopped and sat in the shallow water, Areus slightly breathless and Cassipor panting hard.
“I don’t understand how you can still be so much stronger and faster than I am,” Cassipor said.
Areus stared, entranced by the rise and fall of his broad chest and the sound of blood rushing through his sleek young body. By the gods, he wanted to bite and fuck him so badly it was almost painful.
“Did you hear me?” Cassipor said, his callused hand falling roughly on Areus’ shoulder.
“Yes,” Areus replied, his gaze meeting Cassipor’s. The mortal’s grip loosened slightly, but he didn’t remove his hand. It remained, creating heat between them.
“Why are you so --”
“Superior?” A slight smile played around Areus’ lips. “You judge yourself too harshly.”
Cassipor looked stunned. There was no tougher instructor than Areus. His punishments were many and harsh, and his complements few. When Areus told him he would be a great gladiator, Cassipor had no reason to doubt it was the truth.
“Why? After all you’ve taught me I should at least be your match,” Cassipor said.
“I come from a long line of warriors and there are things about me you can’t possibly understand.”
“I’ve guessed as much.” Cassipor’s blue eyes narrowed and he looked oddly cunning. “You’re a great fighter, Areus, and stronger than any man I’ve ever known. Sometimes it’s as if you have the power of the gods.”
“I’m no god.”
“But there’s something about you.”
Again their gazes locked. This time neither spoke. Quite unconsciously they leaned closer to one another. Cassipor’s hand slid up Areus’ shoulder and moved to the back of his neck. Before either knew what was happening, Cassipor’s mouth covered Areus’. Areus allowed him to take the lead. Closing his eyes, he parted his lips to accept Cassipor’s probing tongue.
His pulse raced, and he resisted the urge to grasp the other man hard and claim his gorgeous, rock-hard body.
Cassipor pulled away with a suddenness that made Areus gasp.
“By the gods,” Cassipor breathed, his cheeks tinged red and his chest heaving. He stared at Areus in horror. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I did that. I --”
“It’s about time.”
“What?”
“Did you like it?”
“What?”
Areus chuckled and cupped Cassipor’s chin. “Can’t you think of anything else to say?”
“I shouldn’t have --”
“Why not? You’ve wanted to for a long time now. So have I.”
“This is wrong.” Cassipor stood and trudged out of the water.
Areus followed. “It’s not wrong if we both want it.”
“Kissing is for men and women.”
Areus folded his arms across his chest. “I suppose you think fucking is just for them, too?”
Again Cassipor’s face reddened and he reached for his tunic. “Don’t say such things.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s unnatural.”
“Look at me.”
Cassipor pretended not to hear. He started walking away, but Areus caught up to him and place
d both hands on his shoulders.
“Look at me, Cassipor, and tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”
“I shouldn’t.”
“That’s not what I said. And I told you to look at me.” Areus used the same tone that had moved entire troops in Sparta.
Cassipor immediately held his gaze, a barrage of emotions in his eyes. “Please.”
“Please what?”
“Please don’t make me answer. Don’t make me do --”
“What?”
“Make me do this.” Cassipor drew a tremulous breath. He dropped the tunic he’d been holding, grasped Areus’ face in his hands and kissed him again.
His tongue thrust into his mouth and Areus’ tongue met it greedily. Cassipor’s large, warm hands caressed his face. Areus wrapped his arms around him and pulled him so close that Cassipor’s only choices were to return the embrace or break it. The latter seemed impossible to both of them. Cassipor’s powerful arms tightened around Areus. Their tall, sinewy bodies pressed so close together that to Areus it seemed their hearts beat as one. Groaning with animal pleasure, they licked and groped one another, satisfying the need they’d felt since the moment they met.
Areus broke the kiss only to lick the side of Cassipor’s neck. Blood throbbed enticingly through the arteries, tempting Areus to bite him then and there. He wouldn’t. Not yet. It was enough for Cassipor to accept their love. Later he could learn about blood drinkers.
Cassipor’s hands roamed over Areus’ shoulders then down to his buttocks. He clutched the taut spheres and ran his callused palms over the smooth skin.
“Gods, I’ve wanted this for so long,” Cassipor murmured. “Why? I’ve loved women, taken their bodies, but none made me this mad with need.”
His words thrilled Areus, but years of practice forced him to remain collected, even when he wanted to fawn over Cassipor in a way no warrior would dare. Instead he poured all his affection and desire into making this the most pleasurable moment in the slave’s life. He licked and kissed his way down Cassipor’s breastbone and used the tip of his tongue to outline each well-defined ridge of muscle on his stomach. Finally he dropped to his knees and grasped the base of the slave’s thick cock. With frustrating slowness he slid his lips over the bulging red crown of his erection, ever so slowly drawing Cassipor deeper and deeper into his mouth. He lapped, sucked, and gently used the tips of his fangs to tease the rock-hard staff.
“Oh gods,” Cassipor murmured, his hips thrusting and breathing ragged. He moaned uncontrollably as Areus sucked harder and faster.
Strong fingers wove through Areus’ hair and Areus loved the sensation. He began kneading Cassipor’s balls while at the same time swirling his tongue over his shaft. The tip of a fang dipped into the little eye on his cock head and Cassipor howled with delight. He clutched handfuls of Areus’ hair and lunged harder, though Areus sensed he was trying to hold back.
It’s all right. You won’t hurt me, Areus said, using his mind powers to speak to Cassipor. In spite of the slave’s shock of hearing his lover inside his head, his passion was too great to pull away. Every muscle in his body tensed. His flesh heated and pulse raced as if he’d run for miles.
With a savage cry, he came, bucking like a wild horse, his hips lunging so fiercely that Areus had to grasp them to maintain control.
Cassipor staggered backward, panting, and braced a hand against the trunk of a nearby tree. He watched Areus swallow a mouthful of come, yet he seemed far more interested in the state of his instructor’s cock.
Areus’ cock was thicker and harder than he ever recalled. His heart pounding wildly, he stooped by the water and rinsed his mouth and hands. Then, dragging a forearm across his lips to wipe away any excess droplets, he approached Cassipor. The mortal seemed to have recovered from his intense climax and stared at Areus with rekindled lust burning in his eyes.
“Now tell me you didn’t enjoy it,” Areus teased.
“How can this be happening?” Cassipor said. “I’ve never desired a man before, but something tells me you’re not a man. I was right when I thought you somehow connected to the gods. I heard you speak inside my head. Surely only a god --”
“I told you I’m not a god, but I am unusual in many ways. Does that make a difference in how you feel about me?”
“No,” Cassipor murmured and reached for Areus. He kissed him again, this time using his tongue to part his lips and gently explore. He took his time tasting and teasing every inch of Areus’ mouth. Throughout the carnal yet tender caresses of tongue and lips, Areus’ cock swelled to even greater proportions. Unable to resist, he clasped the staff and began stroking himself. He growled, a primal sound that seemed to greatly arouse Cassipor.
“Stop.” Cassipor’s hand closed over Areus’ and he stopped stroking. Both their hands locked around his thick, aching shaft, they stared into each other’s eyes as Cassipor continued, “Let me.”
Areus removed his hand from his cock and drew a deep breath as Cassipor tightened his fist around the staff. He stroked, the motions long and smooth. Gradually they became shorter and faster. Areus’ desire rose to such heights that he doubted he could maintain control much longer. This mortal slave had taken command of his body as well as his heart.
After several deliciously torturous moments, Cassipor knelt and rolled his tongue over Areus’ cock head. He lapped and sucked until Areus exploded. At the moment of crisis, Cassipor pulled back and stared at Areus with a bewitched expression. Gasping and groaning with pleasure, Areus clamped a hand around his spurting cock. His eyes closed tightly and for several blissful seconds he was completely lost in passion.
When he opened his eyes, Cassipor was still staring at him, his gaze so intense it nearly set Areus on fire. Already his cock had started to swell again and Areus knew exactly where he wanted it. He needed to feel the slave’s thickness inside him. He wanted Cassipor to claim him. Drive into him. Ride him like a fucking beast of passion.
He let that thought drift into Cassipor’s mind. The slave’s response was as powerful as a lightning bolt. His cock grew longer and thicker, and his pulse quickened. His gorgeous blue eyes glowed almost like a blood drinker’s before the kill.
“Come.” Areus grasped Cassipor’s hand and guided him toward the villa.
“But what if someone sees us? What will they think?”
“The slaves in Flavius’ house will think nothing of it. At one time, Flavius and I were lovers.”
“Really?” Cassipor’s jealousy flowed over him, almost making Areus smile.
“We haven’t been together in such a way for a long time. He’s my friend. That’s all.” Actually they were closer than friends. They were family, since Flavius had made him a blood drinker, but they were no longer lovers.
“He is your master.”
“In a manner of speaking.”
“I don’t understand.”
“One day you will, but tonight is for pleasure.”
When they reached the villa, Areus guided Cassipor to his cubiculum. He invited the younger man to stretch out on the bed where he sat beside him and reached for a jar of scented oil. With slow, soothing strokes, he began massaging the oil into Cassipor’s shoulders and back. Gods, the man was beautiful. Long limbs, solid muscles. The sort of body a man longed to feel possessed by.
Reaching Cassipor’s buttocks, Areus squeezed and kneaded the firm spheres. Cassipor rolled over swiftly, desire in his eyes.
“You showed me a picture in my mind,” Cassipor said. “I want it to become real.”
Areus’ heart beat faster and his cock twitched. A slight smiled tugged at his lips as he grasped the jar of oil and handed it to Cassipor. Without hesitation or speech, he moved to the floor on his hands and knees. A moment later, Cassipor’s oiled hands rolled over his buttocks. He used a callused fingertip to prod Areus’ tight sphincter and Areus’ teeth clenched as he resisted the urge to groan with pleasure. He didn’t want anything to disturb Cassipor and possibly ruin the moment.
&n
bsp; Then he felt the tip of Cassipor’s well-oiled cock slide into him. His fingers tightened on the stone floor. His body heated with pleasure-pain. Fuck, he’d wanted this so badly for so long he could scarcely believe it was finally happening.
Grunting with pleasure, Cassipor thrust. Only then did Areus groan and growl, their voices and heartbeats mingling. Cassipor reached around with one hand and stroked Areus’ stiff cock. He continued the delicious ministrations until his lust overtook him, then he clutched Areus’ hips, his strong fingers sinking into his flesh, and jerked with several short, fast thrusts that hurled them both over the edge.
They collapsed onto the stone floor, Cassipor’s hot, sweaty body draped over Areus.
Smiling, Areus closed his eyes. From now on, no matter what happened, a part of them would always belong to the other.
Chapter Four
Nigel stood in the spacious kitchen of the ranch-style house Andrew shared with Greg. While the other guests mingled in the living room, Nigel and Richie took control of the kitchen, since they shared the same love of cooking. Tonight they’d planned a Thanksgiving-type meal complete with turkey, stuffing, vegetables, and three kinds of pie for dessert.
As he whipped up homemade mashed potatoes, Nigel thought it was rather a good thing that he and Richie got along so well. In addition to cooking, they enjoyed fencing and often practiced together. Many times he’d remarked on Richie’s talent with a blade and how similar their fighting styles were. Richie said he’d learned all he knew from his Creator. Now that Nigel knew Daniel was his son-in-law’s Creator he understood his talent as a swordsman. Daniel was incomparable. In all his years of life, Nigel had never met anyone who could fight like the Spartan.
“Are you guys almost finished?” Ruby peered into the kitchen. “We’re starving out here.”
“Ru, get back in here and be patient!” Hagen called from the living room.